Vulcan UDA 4-0 Bootle FC Women - Match Report

Bootle FC Women fell to a 4–0 defeat away to a strong and physical Vulcan UDA FC side on Sunday afternoon, despite a series of outstanding saves from goalkeeper Darcey Beckett, who kept the Bucks in the game for long periods.

The opening exchanges saw Bootle absorb early pressure from the hosts. Vulcan looked lively on both flanks, forcing Beckett into action inside the first ten minutes as she safely claimed a dangerous cross from the left.

Vulcan continued to test the Bootle defence, with efforts narrowly missing the target and others comfortably dealt with by Beckett, who remained composed under constant pressure. However, the deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Sawyer Burchill was played through on the right-hand side and fired powerfully into the roof of the net to give Vulcan a 1–0 lead.

Bootle looked to find their rhythm before the interval but were unable to create clear-cut chances against a compact Vulcan back line. Beckett was again called upon just before half-time, producing another fine save to deny the hosts a second.

Half-time: Vulcan UDA FC 1–0 Bootle FC Women

The second half began much as the first had ended, with Vulcan on the front foot. Beckett continued her impressive display, pulling off a string of stops to keep Bootle in contention — including one superb save from close range and another fingertip effort that saw the ball crash against the crossbar.

The home side, however, eventually made their pressure count. A defensive mix-up in the 66th minute allowed Faye Butler through on goal. Although Beckett made an initial save, the rebound ricocheted off Butler and into the net for Vulcan’s second.

Just two minutes later, Mya Brown added a third as Bootle were punished for losing concentration. Vulcan continued to press and hit the crossbar again before Butler grabbed her second of the afternoon in the 76th minute to make it 4–0.

Despite the scoreline, Bootle’s goalkeeper Darcey Beckett emerged as a clear standout, making multiple saves to prevent a heavier defeat.

It was a difficult afternoon for the Bucks against a strong Vulcan side, but there were positives in the resilience shown during long spells of defensive pressure. Bootle will look to regroup and bounce back in their next fixture as they continue to build on their performances this season.

Full-time: Vulcan UDA FC Ladies 4–0 Bootle FC Women